At $18,370/yr net price, Lewis University graduates earn $66,099/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,099/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,370 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,480 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,099/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,099/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,995/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,255/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,911/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,501/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,497/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,168 | $47,832 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $84,653 | $35,390 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $63,005 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,071 | $34,166 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,527 | $20,368 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $49,019 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,667 | $36,161 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $48,563 | $35,791 |
The Risk Factor
62.6% of students at Lewis University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lewis University delivers solid returns for nursing students but weaker outcomes for most other majors. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, easily justifying the $47,832 debt load. Computer technology management also performs well at $84,653 in earnings.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside these top programs. Criminal justice graduates face $41,000 in debt for $63,005 earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio that limits financial flexibility. Business administration students carry $34,166 debt for just $60,071 in starting salaries, below what you'd expect from a business degree.
Your biggest risk is choosing the wrong major at Lewis. The gap between nursing outcomes and other programs is massive. The 62.6% graduation rate also means significant dropout risk, leaving you with debt but no degree.
Lewis works best if you're pursuing nursing or technology management and can handle the academic demands. The Chicago suburbs job market supports these fields well. Skip Lewis if you're interested in criminal justice or general business unless you have specific career connections in the region.
The $18,370 net price suggests reasonable financial aid, though only 31% of students receive aid. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy is choosing a high-earning major since Lewis doesn't offer significant financial advantages for weaker-performing programs. The nursing program justifies the investment, but most other majors don't deliver enough earning power to offset the private school premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewis University worth the cost?
Lewis University offers decent value with a net price of $18,370 and graduates earning $66,099 after 10 years. The nursing and tech programs show strong returns, but the 62.6% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at Lewis University?
Nursing programs at Lewis University lead earnings at $101,168, followed by computer technology management at $84,653. Business and criminal justice programs earn significantly less at around $60,000-63,000.
How much debt do Lewis University graduates have?
Lewis University graduates leave with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. This debt level is reasonable given the school's moderate tuition costs.
Does Lewis University have good financial aid?
Lewis University's net price of $18,370 suggests decent financial aid for many students. However, outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing students seeing much better returns than liberal arts majors.